The Henson Journals

[15]

Thursday, September 10th, 1914.

37th day

A dank mist after yesterday's rain. I went across to Watkins, & arranged for an emergency Chapter tomorrow at 9 p.m. & to shift the date of the next ordinary Chapter from the 3rd to the 7th Oct. We lunched with the Quirks to meet the Bishop of Lichfield, who is conducting a retreat for the Sisters. He wears his hair long like an artist. At tea–time Dr Franks of Jarrow made his appearance, & stated that he wished to introduce himself as a candidate for the vacant mastership of Sherburn Hospital, but added that he was 2 years older than the age stated in the advertisement.

Hughes accompanied me to Birtley, where I was pledged to join Lord Durham at a recruit–raising meeting. There were two [sic] many speakers. I was followed, & the effect of my speech was neutralized, by Sir W. Runciman, a boisterous buffoon, who tub–thumped in mighty style. A Labour member, Tom Wing, spoke effectively. He is a most butcherly–looking man, & has a vast bellowing voice, but his words were well–arranged, & to the point. Lord Durham spoiled the effect of his speech by a vain attempt to quote poetry. There were not less than 1500 men in the audience, perhaps as many as 2000.

The news from the front is re–assuring. The Allies maintain their offensive, & are pushing the Germans back. Guns & prisoners are reported to have been captured by the British. Asquith has carried a vote for yet another 500,000 men.

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